The Unfamiliar Path

I lovingly dedicate this post to you, the Christian blogging community, who immensely encourage me with your testimonies of “how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you (Mark 18:19 NIV).”

“Should I continue?” I asked myself. I took one step forward, and then two steps backward as I hesitated for a moment.

I looked down at my trail shoes that were now starting to gather dirt and mud. I was in the Volcano Island in Talisay, Batangas and the trail ahead would lead me to the viewpoint of Taal Volcano’s crater lake, a picturesque scene that I have only seen on photographs.

Earlier when I began the hike, the path was sandy and soft. It felt comfortable under the soles of my brand new pair of black Capra Bolt. But as I moved farther, the texture of the ground became rough, rocky, slippery, and muddy. The slopes did not also help my feet that were just starting to get used to the feel of the trail. It was drizzling and the weather was colder than normal. The air turned smelly, making it hard to breathe.

I had every reason to back out, but wait a minute…

I stared at the earth were my feet were planted. They were painted with footprints that were too many to call mine. There were footprints that pointed to the trail I was about to traverse, and there were some that pointed to the direction where I came from.

I was not lonely in this path, I realized. There were people who have passed the same point where the thought of quitting crossed my mind.

These people who have come and gone managed to endure the journey, reach the destination, and return home to tell great stories about their new discoveries.

The difficult trail ahead of me was an unfamiliar path, a place unknown to me. I was not in my comfort zone, I thought. I am used to navigate smooth, asphalted pavements that are cushioned for running.

This path that was inviting me to explore was exactly the opposite, and that was reason for my hesitation to carry on.

So, what do you do when you find yourself standing outside of your comfort zone?

You harness your strength and step into your courage zone. This strength comes from an awareness of your true identity, of who you believe you really are.

Then, I pondered on a question.

“Who am I?”

I looked back at the lake that we crossed by motor boat several minutes ago. I could still feel the water splashing on my face as the boat made its way through the currents.

I looked about to see the wilderness and the well-marked trails that guide every adventurer that brave its calling.

Binintiang Malaki. This is not the real Taal Volcano.

I looked up to the gloomy sky that sends refreshing drizzles to wash and cool my body.

I looked ahead, and found the answer right in front of me.

“I am an adventure. The wonder of being alive fills my being. There is no space for fear or reliance on old comforts. I am timeless. I am invincible.” Tweet

Then, I thought of my life.

How many opportunities have slipped through my fingers because I was afraid to try, because I was too comfortable in my comfort zone to let go of my sources of security?

How many times have I missed the voice of truth and the calling to live my purpose because I thought I was not ready and time was not right, because I felt inadequate to serve?

Countless.

“This is not going to be one of those,” I resolved. “No way! I am here to get dirty, to rise above the mud, to conquer the trail and all the challenges that come with it.”

“I am here to enjoy the most valuable reward given to those who trust with all their heart.”

Taal Volcano Crater Lake

This is the Crater Lake within Taal Volcano within Taal Lake within the Island of Luzon.

I trust my adventure.

I used to be in that messy trail. I faced a dead end, but God called me to turn back and take a detour to the direction that no one would ever want to take. I trusted Him as He took me to the unfamiliar path.

I trust the unfamiliar path. I trust to see beauty in all things that God created.

I trust my faith.

Don’t go back or even try to look back to what you once were, when God wants you to become somebody you’ve never been.

My friends, what are you having trust issues with? Do you trust God with all your heart as He takes you to the unfamiliar path? Share your story in the comments or tweet it to @blog_thedreamer. Happy adventure and take care!

Ohhh! My family went there on a sunny weather and the scenery was breathtaking~
This post reminds me of the verse “Prov 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean
not on your own understanding but in all thy ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. The path may be unfamiliar to us but it’s not easy for me to trust Him cause I know that I am trusting a God that is omniscient and sovereign 🙂

Minsan, we want to carefully plan every detail of our lives, we want to secure the future, and we want these to turn exactly the way we planned them to be. Pero may mga bagay talaga that just happen when we are already out there. You said it right, harapin natin kung ano ang nandiyan na.

According to our trail guide, pwede daw po pero you have to come from a different route in another barangay. Not the usual route that we followed going to the viewpoint. Not sure kung enjoy mag-swimming doon kasi umuusok-usok pa sa gilid ng crater.:)